Sri Lanka’s average coconut prices soared by 18.32% to record an all-time high in the weekly auction, according to data from the Coconut Development Authority.
The auction, held on January 2 after a month-long hiatus due to a nut shortage, saw average prices climbing to 129,699 rupees per 1,000 nuts, up from 109,615.80 rupees at the previous auction in November. The highest price reached 130,000 rupees per 1,000 nuts, while the lowest was 120,000 rupees.
At the auction, 279,102 coconuts were offered, of which 267,138 were sold.
In retail, coconuts are priced between 174 and 190 rupees each at supermarkets. Wholesale prices on January 2 ranged from 155 to 175 rupees for large nuts and 125 to 145 rupees for smaller ones.
The local wholesale price of coconut oil stood at 850,000 to 880,000 rupees per metric ton, while coconut shells were priced at 42,000 to 43,000 rupees per metric ton. Farmgate prices in Kurunegala ranged from 125,000 to 130,000 rupees per 1,000 nuts.